Q: I purchased the 8400 quilter’s fabricalc, and I don’t understand how to change to fabric width for my project. I want to figure the backing using 108″ width material. My project is 113.50″w x 134.25″ long. Thank you.

A: If you only needs to know the backing yardage using 108 Inch fabric, enter 108 [Inch] [Conv] [-] then continue entering 113.5 [Inch] [Top Width] 134.25 [Inch] [Top Length]. Now press [Quilt Ydg] twice. You need to remember that I have it adding 4 extra inches to all four sides for the longarm.

If you have the very first version you will get an answer of 4-1/2 yards which is a pieced back.

If you are using the current version she will get an answer of 8 yards based on linear yardage not pieced.